CASTORLAND-Ralph F. Hoffman, 85, of Van Amber Road, Castorland, New York, passed away at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, after a long illness on July 26, 2014.

Ralph was born to the late Claude Hoffman and Grace Henry Hoffman on, June 22, 1929, in Lowville, N.Y. He married Sally Jane Hodkinson on, June 21, 1952. Shortly after his marriage, Ralph was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army and obtained the rank of Corporal. Upon his return to Lowville, he worked at Marriott’s Garage. In 1956, Ralph and his wife bought the H.D. Weller farm, located on the Number Three Road in Lowville. During his farming career, he obtained the Dairy of Distinction Award. In 1976, Ralph sold the farm and worked for Climax Manufacturing Company until he retired in 1993.

Ralph enjoyed his peaceful home in Castorland and also owned a home in Zephyrhills, Florida, where he spent the past eight years during the winter months. Ralph loved spending time with his family, visiting with friends, playing cards, and working in his woodshop. Also, active in the community; Ralph was a member of the VFW, Knights of Columbus, served as President of the Lowville Grange, and President of the Lewis County Agricultural Association. He also served as a 4-H leader, a Citizens’ Patrol volunteer with the Lewis County Sheriff Department, and was an active member at his local church, Saint Stephen’s Catholic Church in Croghan, N.Y.

Ralph is survived by his wife: Sally Jane Hoffman; his daughter: Mary Beth Cool of Westminster, Colorado, and his son: Joseph Hoffman of Manchester Center, Vermont. Ralph is also survived by a son-in-law: Ed Cool; a daughter-in-law: Jann (Belewich) Hoffman; four adoring grandchildren: Willie Cool, Robbie Cool, Judd Hoffman, and Jenna Hoffman; a granddaughter-in-law: Megan Cool, and several cousins. He is predeceased by his brother, Gerald Hoffman.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2014, at Saint Stephen’s Catholic Church in Croghan, N.Y., with Reverend Daniel L. Chapin, Pastor officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Saint Peter’s Cemetery, New Bremen. Calling hours will be from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2014, at Iseneker Funeral Home, Inc., 5702 Waters Road, Lowville, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be sent to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be made online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com

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